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The union that represents rank-and-file LAPD officers quickly endorsed the nomination of Charlie Beck to be the next police chief. The Los Angeles Police Protective League represents the nearly 10,000 sworn members of the LAPD.

League president Paul Weber said the union was ready to work with any of the three finalists for the top job. All three are police veterans who’ve risen through the department’s ranks. Weber said Beck's performance while working for former chief Bill Bratton in the department's detectives bureau put him over the top.

"His ability to take on tough jobs that other people didn’t necessarily want to confront," Weber said, also gave Charlie Beck an advantage. He noted Beck’s willingness to take command of the department’s Rampart division after a corruption scandal a decade ago.

The Los Angeles City Council must now vote on whether to confirm Beck’s nomination. While Bill Bratton was known for his run-ins with council members, Weber said Beck has developed relationships that should serve him well as chief.

"I don’t believe you have to be confrontational to get the job done," Weber said. "But don’t underestimate Charlie Beck. He is a tough guy. "

Weber said the Police Protective League knows it must collaborate with Beck through a period of dwindling city and state budgets.

"They’re talking about releasing tens of thousands of prisoners from the state prison system," said Weber. "They’re talking about additional cuts to the police department’s next year’s budget."

So Weber says the LAPD rank and file will appreciate that Charlie Beck’s son and daughter plan to spend their careers on the force.